Maritime spatial planning

Maritime spatial planning is based on the EU Directive establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (2014/89/EU). In Finland the provisions on this are laid down in the Land Use Act (2016/482). Maritime spatial planning is part of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy, a policy framework to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive blue economy. 

The purpose of maritime spatial planning is to promote the sustainable development and growth of the different uses of maritime space, sustainable use of marine natural resources, and achievement of a good status for the marine environment.

The responsibility for the preparation and approval of Finland’s Maritime Spatial Plan rests with the coastal Regional Councils. The plan covers the whole sea area of Finland, and it is prepared in three parts. The three areas for the planning process are the Gulf of Finland, the Archipelago Sea and Southern Bothnian Sea, and the Northern Bothnian Sea, Quark and Bothnian Bay. Åland Islands is responsible for planning its territorial waters.

The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for the general development and guidance of maritime spatial planning and international cooperation.

The Maritime Spatial Plan is a strategic plan that coordinates the use of maritime space by different sectors, including energy production, maritime transport, fishing and aquaculture, tourism and recreation, as well as the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural environment. In addition, cultural heritage, mineral extraction, blue biotechnology and the maritime industry are considered. The needs of national defense, special characteristics of marine areas and land-sea interactions are taken into account in planning.

The Maritime Spatial Plan is prepared in broad cooperation between the coastal Regional Councils, maritime authorities, stakeholders and other experts.

The Maritime Spatial Plan 2030 for Finland was approved on 15th of December 2020. Get to know the Plan at https://meriskenaariot.info/merialuesuunnitelma/en/merialuesuunnitelma-english/

The regional councils initiated the update of the maritime spatial plan in early 2024. The goal is to approve the updated plan in 2027. You can follow the progress of maritime spatial planning on the website: https://merialuesuunnittelu.fi/en/

You can also join the open cooperation MSP network on our website: https://merialuesuunnittelu.fi/en/participate/

Find out more

Finland’s Maritime Spatial Plan 2030
Maritime Spatial Planning in Finland; official MSP site
Directive 2014/89/EU establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning
VASAB Maritime Spatial Planning
HELCOM Maritime Spatial Planning
HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG
European Commission: Maritime Spatial Planning
European MSP Platform
MSP Global